This release was issued under a previous government.

The #8000mentors campaign will attract more mentors, particularly from Aboriginal and ethno-cultural communities, who can share important cultural experiences and community connections with young people of similar backgrounds.

#8000mentors will include print, radio and social media messages to create awareness of the need for mentors.

“Many children come in to our care without role models in their lives. Having just one positive, constant influence can mean the difference between a pathway of hope over a path of despair. By spending even an hour a week, you can be a hero to a child in need and change their life.”

Manmeet S. Bhullar, Minister of Human Services

In addition, $365,000 is provided to three community agencies in Edmonton, Calgary and Red Deer to help attract, train and match mentors with children and youth in care.

“We are so grateful for the investment our government is making in mentoring for youth in care. We know that kids do better with caring adults in their lives. This funding will help us facilitate the recruitment, screening, training and support of adults who will provide friendship and guidance to kids who may not otherwise have this kind of relationship.”

Liz O’Neill, Executive Director of Boys and Girls Clubs, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Edmonton and Area; Co-chair of the Alberta Mentoring Partnership; member of Premier’s Council on Alberta’s Promise

The Government of Alberta encourages business and community leaders to promote mentorship and access the resources available through the Alberta Mentoring Partnership to further give back to young Albertans.

“When Minister Bhullar put out the call for industry to stand behind the Government of Alberta in its goal of encouraging Albertans to become more engaged as mentors in their communities, TransCanada was the first company to answer. We are pleased to support #8000mentors by providing $45,000 for the Boys & Girls Clubs, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Edmonton and Area’s new Mentoring Moments Campaign that will promote mentorship in their community.”

Tony Palmer, Senior Vice President of Stakeholder Relations at TransCanada

At any given point in time, there are about 8,000 children and youth in care in Alberta, many of whom come from unhealthy, unsafe homes. #8000mentors supports the Minister’s five-point plan, announced in January, to address the root causes that bring children into care, take action to support vulnerable Albertans, and keep children healthy and safe.

Albertans are encouraged to sign up at Albertamentors.ca/8000mentors.

Under the Building Alberta Plan, our government is investing in families and communities, living within our means, and opening new markets for Alberta's resources to ensure we're able to fund the services Albertans told us matter most to them. We will continue to deliver the responsible change Albertans voted for.